Prior to the report’s introduction Mr Peter Coulling addressed the Committee.

The Strategic Planning Manager introduced the report and highlighted the recent public consultation on the Regulation 19 ‘draft for submission’ document, as part of the Local Plan Review (LPR) process. A report containing the main modifications proposed in response to the public consultation would be presented to the Committee in March 2022.

Officers had begun processing and analysing the approximately 2250 representations that had been received, which could decrease once any duplicated and invalid representations were removed. At the current stage of analysis, the majority of the representations received had focused on the proposed Garden Community settlements and their impact on the sites proposed and the surrounding area. Engagement exercises with various key stakeholders and statutory consultees had commenced, to allow the Council to understand the context of the representations made. 

It was confirmed that all of the key issues and matters included within the valid representations would be considered individually. 

In response to questions, the Strategic Planning Manager confirmed that the Council would seek to address the representations received concerning affordable housing (AH) including the possibility that further clarity concerning the AH policies within the Local Plan was required. Invalid representations include those submitted in error or that were inappropriate for a public consultation. Reassurance was given that valid representations would be duly considered.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.